Music Careers

What Can I Do with a Music Degree?

Many music majors enter teaching or start their own business: private instruction, rock or jazz band or vocal soloist. In addition, they may perform in little theater, serve as a choral director at church, and join a local ensemble, symphony, pop orchestra or ballet troupe. Music majors are also sought to fill music store positions. Some music graduates even compose and arrange music.

Music Education majors—Vocal, Instrumental and Combination—may teach K–12, as well as serve as a band or chorus conductors. Music Education majors also may provide instruction in a private studio environment.

Job Opportunities

For detailed information about music degree career opportunities, see also Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Musicians and Singers, Self-enrichment Teachers, Music Directors and Composers and Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners.

• Accompanist
• Arranger
• Composer
• Conductor
• Copyist/Transcriber
• Church Music/Choral Director
• Disc Jockey
• Educator: K-12, Conservatory, Religious Organizations, Private Studio
• Event Planning and Production
• Lyricist
• Music Critic or Reviewer
• Music Development for Computer Games/Web Pages
• Music Therapist
• Music Store Manager
• Musical Instrument Repairs and Tuning
• Performer (solo or group)
• Songwriter